Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine

Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with tender linguine noodles. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian dish. Sausage and peppers are a popular combination in Italian cuisine, and when paired with pasta, they create a hearty and comforting meal. The addition of spicy Italian sausage adds a kick of heat to the dish, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
8 oz (227 g) hot italian sausage links, with casings removed and cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1 small green or red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) of chunky tomatoes, specifically for pasta
1 package (9 oz (255 g)) of refrigerated linguine from Buitoni
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet.
Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.
Drain the sausage.
Add bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until the flavors are blended.
Prepare pasta according to the package directions.
Top the pasta with the sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

To freeze ahead

Prepare the recipe as mentioned above, but do not cook the pasta.
Cover and freeze the dish for up to 2 months.
Thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator.
Heat the dish in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Prepare pasta according to the package directions.
Top the pasta with the sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

Variations

Substitute hot Italian sausage with mild or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Cooking the bell peppers until they are crisp-tender will help them retain their texture and flavor.

- Stirring the sauce occasionally while it simmers will help the flavors meld together.

- Cooking the pasta according to the package directions will ensure it is perfectly al dente.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a perfect finishing touch.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the sausage before adding the peppers and tomatoes will help develop flavor.

- Simmering the sauce on low heat will allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground Italian sausage instead of links for a different texture.

- Substitute red bell peppers with yellow or orange bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. - Serve in individual pasta bowls for a restaurant-style presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a bold red wine such as a Chianti or Sangiovese.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (parmesan cheese)

- Contains gluten (linguine pasta)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and fiber, and is rich in vitamins A and C. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Summary

This Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Rosa in her cozy little kitchen. Rosa was a fantastic cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

That day, as we sipped on some homemade lemonade, Rosa pulled out a large pot and began to brown some spicy Italian sausages. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As she added crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of red wine to the pot, the sauce began to simmer and thicken, creating a rich and flavorful base for the linguine.

I watched with fascination as Rosa expertly tossed the al dente noodles in the sauce, coating each strand with spicy goodness. She finished the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a fork and urged me to take a bite.

The first taste was a revelation. The heat from the sausage and red pepper flakes was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the onions and the acidity of the wine. The flavors danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before. I was hooked.

As I savored each bite, Rosa shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had brought it with her from Italy many years ago. It was a family favorite, passed down through the generations and carefully guarded like a precious treasure. Rosa had added her own twist to the dish, incorporating her love for spicy flavors and bold ingredients.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged Rosa to teach me the recipe, and she happily agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting our way to culinary perfection. By the time the sauce was ready, I felt like a seasoned chef, ready to take on the world with my newfound skills.

From that day on, Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Rosa and her grandmother, and the bond that we shared over our love of good food.

Over the years, I have adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it uniquely mine. But the heart of the dish remains the same – a rich and flavorful sauce that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Rosa's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy, comfort, and a connection to my dear friend that transcends time and distance. And for that, I will always be grateful.